LABOR MPs have voted down a motion put forward by two colleagues calling for the party to abandon support for offshore processing.

But the Opposition instead passed another observing that asylum seekers should be afforded “safe, dignified and humane conditions” and their claims processed in a “timely” way.

West Australian MP Melissa Parke moved a motion in this morning’s Caucus meeting, seconded by former Speaker Anna Burke, calling for the centres on Manus Island and Nauru to be closed down.

Shadow Immigration Minister Richard Marles, with the support of Senator Sam Dastyari, moved an alternative resolution.

It noted that “all asylum seekers should be afforded safe dignified and humane conditions while awaiting refugee status determinations.”

Inside Manus ... a picture posted on Twitter by the Australian Aylum Seeker Resource Centre showing the conditions at the Manus Island detention centre.Source:Supplied

“Claims for asylum must be processed in a timely manner to avoid asylum seekers being left in a state of uncertainty and fear,” it went on, further adding “obligations for the wellbeing and safety” of detainees are subject to independent oversight.

“This has been one of the great failings of the Abbott Government.”

Mr Marles’ resolution was carried on the voices, Ms Parke’s was defeated.

The backbencher gave notice on May 12 she would be moving her motion, calling on Labor to note the death of Iranian detainee Reza Berati and other injuries during the Manus Island riots in February.

“Reports of inhumane, unsafe and completely unsatisfactory conditions for asylum seekers detained on Manus Island and Nauru,” it went on.

“The lack of processing of asylum claims on Manus Island and Nauru, with the consequence that asylum seekers are left in a state of uncertainty, fear and severe anxiety.”

Labor MPs deny there is anything wrong with having a debate behind closed doors.

Jim Chalmers, who supports offshore processing, told reporters this morning Opposition members will come to the debate with “a good heart”.

Out of control ... footage of the riot at the Manus Island detention centre. Picture: ABC NewsSource:ABC

“There is a world of difference between the open revolt in the Liberal Party over this unfair budget and the conversation that we will have in our party room about asylum seeker policy,” he said.

As expected former Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor insisted offshore processing is an important element of stopping deaths at sea.

But his colleague Bernie Ripoll hinted he could be persuaded to change his mind after hearing the motion put forward.

“I’m comfortable with the current Labor Party settings on this policy but I’m more than comfortable also to have a look at what’s being proposed today,” Mr Ripoll said.

“If the wording is correct, if it proposes some good things then I will be supportive.”

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison claimed the motion is evidence Labor “still doesn’t get it” when it comes to stopping the boats.

“Regardless of what their Caucus decides today, the Australian people will always know that if Labor were ever to be in government again, that they would wilt, that they would weaken, that they would roll over on offshore processing, they would turn back on turnbacks, and they would continue to honour the promise to people smugglers of permanent visas to this country.”

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